Leading Labor Relations Experts

Tony Olson is a veteran advocate for the injured. As a leading attorney at Rush & Nicholson, P.L.C. in Cedar Rapids, Tony has built a reputation for success in high-stakes personal injury and workers’ compensation cases across Iowa. From seven-figure settlements to complex motorcycle and workplace injury claims, his results speak volumes. Recognized as AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, as a Super Lawyers Rising Star and a Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff Attorney by The National Trial Lawyers, Tony combines sharp legal strategy with genuine care for his clients. Whether it’s a crash, fall, or catastrophic injury, Tony brings precision, grit, and experience to each case. He is a former president of the Linn County Bar Association, serves on the Board of Governors for the Iowa Association for Justice, and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Experienced Senior Human Resources Business Partner with a demonstrated history of working in the medical device manufacturing and management consulting industry. Skilled in Operations Management, Interviewing, Critical Thinking, Human Resources: Coaching, Performance Management, Leadership, Employee Relations, Talent Acquisition, and Benefits with a PHR. Strong human resources professional with a Strategic Human Resources Leadership Certificate focused in Human Resources Development from Cornell University.

Meet Dhriti Mukherjee Pipil – Trade Economist, Consultant, Speaker & Educator Dhriti Mukherjee Pipil is a Delhi NCR–based international trade economist, consultant, researcher, and speaker, specialising in trade finance, foreign trade policy, and agricultural trade. She is the Founder of Global Trade Institute (GTI), an institution focused on building export-ready professionals and businesses through practical trade education. She currently serves as a Senior Research Fellow at Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), where her work examines India’s agricultural trade policy, export restrictions, price volatility, and supply chain dynamics. She is also an empanelled faculty with Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), delivering specialised sessions on export finance and international payment systems. Dhriti is a Leadership Member at the Women in International Trade Business Council (WIITBC) under the International Trade Council (ITC), and serves on the Economic Advisory Board of the Economic Transformation Council, contributing to trade-led policy discourse. With over a decade of experience in banking and trade finance, her expertise spans export finance, cross-border payments, foreign exchange markets, trade risk management, WTO frameworks, and emerging digital trade finance systems. She holds professional certifications from the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Her work bridges policy, practice, and pedagogy—offering consultancy in export strategy, trade finance structuring, compliance, and market entry. She actively mentors MSMEs and startups, enabling them to navigate global markets with operational clarity. Dhriti has authored peer-reviewed research in journals such as Economic & Political Weekly and The Indian Economic Journal, alongside policy contributions to The Hindu BusinessLine, Down To Earth, Policy Circle, AgroSpectrum, and global platforms including the World Trade Centre. She is a regular speaker at national and international forums, including the Economist Intelligence Unit (2025), International Trade Council (2025), WTO Chairs Programme, and Indian Economic Association. Through her work, she seeks to reduce information asymmetry in global trade and build a more inclusive, resilient, and knowledge-driven export ecosystem.

Dedicated Human Resources Professional bringing dependable expertise in employment law compliance, developing DEIB strategies, managing employee complaints, conducting internal investigations, corrective action, performance counseling, and reasonable accommodations. Works diligently to build, strengthen, and maintain employee and management relationships.

Dr. Greg Kovacs is a relational scientist and the founder of The Engine Room™, where he specializes in re-engineering domestic and emotional infrastructure for high-achievers. Through his proprietary Relational Audit, he helps executive-level couples identify "Leaking Pipes" in their partnership by mapping the cognitive load of invisible labor. Dr. Kovacs’ work focuses on transitioning couples from the "Manager/Contractor Trap" to sustainable Domain Ownership. He provides expert commentary on Systemic Household Engineering and the Manager/Contractor Trap to help couples achieve long-term equity. He is the author of the forthcoming book, The Engine Room: Mapping Emotional Labor, Reclaiming Intimacy, and Modeling Equity for the Next Generation.

I support employees to navigate HR processes in the workplace. This could be help to understand something like a disciplinary or performance management issue. I help to explain the legislation that underpins the process and try to unpick whether the employer is acting legally. I also help the employee to consider the best route through (even where the employer is acting within the legislation). I act as an advocate and support and debrief with the employee from the sidelines. Sometimes employees need help to work through an interpersonal problem e.g. with a manager or peer, or just need HR coaching and advice for generally getting through the current corporate landscape.

Ray Johnson is a retired FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge, attorney, and educator whose career spans the courtroom, the classroom, and the command post. Over nearly 30 years in state and federal law enforcement, he has led complex criminal investigations, commanded SWAT operations, overseen national shooting‑incident reviews, and managed critical incidents and mass‑casualty events across the United States. Johnson is a veteran member of the Southern Nevada law enforcement community, with deep senior‑level experience coordinating federal, state, and local responses to both crises and major planned events. He has delivered high‑impact training on active shooter behavior, ethics, and leadership to thousands of public‑safety leaders and is frequently called in after major incidents to help agencies navigate culture, accountability, and public trust. As Division Counsel in multiple FBI field offices, Johnson provided legal oversight on investigations, ethics, and compliance and helped shape the FBI’s Domestic Investigations and Operations Guide. Internationally, he has mediated between Ukrainian anti‑corruption agencies and advised on governance and rule‑of‑law issues during Operation Enduring Freedom, earning recognition from the U.S. Ambassador for advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives. Now an adjunct faculty member at UNLV’s Boyd School of Law, he focuses on how law, leadership, and policy perform under real‑world pressure. His research and writing center on use of force, investigative accountability, organizational ethics, and the intersection of policing, immigration, and civil rights. He regularly helps journalists and the public make sense of complex law‑enforcement issues. He is coauthoring two forthcoming Criminal Investigation and Criminology texts as well as a companion leadership playbook for front‑line leaders working in high‑pressure, high‑visibility environments. Johnson’s honors include multiple high‑level executive leadership awards from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, as well as recognition from U.S. diplomatic leadership for international anti‑corruption work. He continues to consult with courts, law‑enforcement agencies, and organizations on use of force, crisis leadership, and organizational culture under scrutiny.

I'm a Career Consultant who specializes in Negotiation and Pay Equity. I bring years of experience working for employers at a staff firm, applicant tracking company, and professional trade association to my work with candidates and employees. I spearheaded two pay equity laws; 1) salary history bans and inclusion of pay in job postings. Over the years I have contributed and been interviewed by NPR, BBC, CNN, Boston Globe, Yahoo Finance, Hollywood Reporter, and more. Additionally, my speaking engagements and workshops have included Harvard, UCLA, Virginia Tech, Women in Construction, Boston Consulting Group, Boston Chamber of Commerce, and more. I've earned an MBA from Bentley University and a BA in Economics from College of the Holy Cross.

Mike Podesto is a Career and Job Search Expert and the Founder & CEO of Find My Profession, a leading reverse recruiting firm that manages full job searches for professionals and executives. As a pioneer of reverse recruiting, Mike has helped thousands of candidates navigate competitive hiring markets by combining targeted job sourcing, direct outreach to decision-makers, and data-driven job search strategies. His team works across industries including technology, engineering, marketing, and executive leadership, supporting clients from mid-level professionals to C-suite executives. Mike’s expertise spans job search strategy, resume and LinkedIn optimization, networking, recruiting, and hiring trends. He is known for his practical, results-oriented approach to the job search process, with a focus on helping candidates stand out in crowded applicant pools and secure interviews faster. Under his leadership, Find My Profession has earned over 1,000 five-star reviews and has been recognized for its innovative approach to job search management. The company’s model is built on real-world recruiting experience and has helped place candidates in roles ranging from $100K to $1M+ compensation packages. Mike regularly advises on topics including job market trends, hiring practices, interview strategy, and how candidates can position themselves effectively in today’s evolving employment landscape. His insights are especially relevant for professionals navigating career transitions, layoffs, or competitive executive-level searches.

Human Resources professional with a strong emphasis in employee relations, learning development, corporate communication, and strategic development. Effective manager and project leader, skilled in developing collaborative working relationships with internal and external teams. Record of leadership in developing training and development department, recruiting top tier candidates, and implementing strategies to reduce turnover rates within departments. Ability to communicate effectively amongst all levels of management and employee population. Problem solver and adaptable team player. Eager for new challenges in a dynamic business environment. Specialties: Strategic Development, Employee Relations, Recruitment, Learning Development

Tracy Sanders Rucker, Esq., is a nationally recognized employment, education, and immigration law attorney, bestselling author, and continuing legal education (CLE) presenter. Founder of Natural Hair and the Law and the Attorney Tracy Sanders Foundation, she is a leading voice on hair texture discrimination, workplace culture, and post-DEI compliance in schools and businesses. Her work has been featured by ABC, MSNBC, TLC, Essence, Avvo, and the Los Angeles Sentinel, and she has spoken at Yale University, Arizona State University, Loyola Law School, Arizona State University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, and other higher education institutions. She has authored bestsellers, including Natural Hair in the Workplace: What Are Your Rights?, The CROWN Act Handbook, and Wearing Our Crowns — each recognized in national media and ranked #1 in key legal categories on Amazon Kindle. Her advocacy has earned honors from U.S. Congress members, Netflix, eBay, Benedict College Women’s Business Center, and the Los Angeles Lakers Women’s Business Awards. She also hosts the Legal Talk With Tracy Sanders podcast and earned degrees from Syracuse University College of Law, the University of South Carolina, and Cornell University’s Women’s Entrepreneurship program. See: https://smb.americanpress.com/article/Attorney-Tracy-Sanders-Launches-Insightful-New-Book-on-Hair-Texture-Discrimination-in-Workplaces-and-Schools?storyId=683ff0e944ed71000866c89f http://int.cerifilegaledge.com/program_guide/search_results.jsf?courseTopicType=1&provider=32008108&requireCourseNumber=false&accredStatus=%5B%5D&format=On+Demand.Live.Live+Conference https://lexvid.com/cle-speakers/tracy-sanders-rucker https://www.lawline.com/lawyer/tracy-sanders-rucker

Email me directly at: atarki@eca-partners.com  We are a world-class Executive Search firm. Our strength lies within our process driven and systematic approach. This enables us to connect star-candidates with opportunities that are right for them – faster! We also have a network of thousands of independent top-tier management consultants.A few of my pieces in HBR and Forbes are included here below. As always, I'd appreciate hearing any comments and feedback on these.

I serve as a leader at MetalRecruiters, a search firm focused exclusively on the metal and steel manufacturing industries. For more than three decades, our team has partnered with manufacturers, fabricators, recyclers, and industrial organizations to help them solve complex workforce challenges across operations, engineering, leadership, and skilled trades. My experience centers on the evolving talent dynamics within steel production, metal fabrication, alloy processing, recycling, and related industrial sectors. I work closely with plant leaders, executive teams, and ownership groups to address skilled labor shortages, succession planning, and leadership development in highly technical manufacturing environments. Over the years, I’ve supported searches for general managers, plant managers, engineering leaders, quality professionals, HR executives, and industrial trades specialists including CNC programmers, machinists, welders, and maintenance technicians. This work provides firsthand visibility into workforce trends, retention challenges, and the operational impact of talent gaps. I frequently speak on topics such as skilled labor shortages, manufacturing workforce strategy, executive hiring in industrial sectors, and the long-term implications of workforce planning in metal and steel operations. My focus is helping industrial companies build resilient teams that support operational excellence, safety, and sustainable growth.

I’m an attorney focused on federal sector employment law and military service employment protections. I represent federal employees and applicants in EEO matters (discrimination, retaliation, harassment), Rehabilitation Act reasonable accommodation, MSPB adverse action/performance appeals, OSC whistleblower cases, and USERRA (Guard/Reserve) rights. Reporters use me for clear, on-record explanations that turn dense rules into plain English, with practical examples and cites you can verify. I’m available for quick quotes, deeper background, or walking through timelines and decision trees. I also have 6+ years experience litigating employment defense on behalf of the U.S. Government through three presidential administrations. I also track government-wide workforce policy from OPM and OMB—telework/RTO directives, performance management (PIPs), suitability/fitness, locality pay/duty station questions, RIF/realignments, and hiring authorities—so I can connect individual cases to system level changes. On the aviation side, I help pilots and operators navigate FAA and NTSB issues, aircraft purchase/sale pitfalls, and certificate or enforcement matters. Selected story angles I can speak to: - Federal EEO 101 (and what most sources miss): counseling vs. complaint, acceptance/dismissal, investigations, and remedies—plus how deadlines quietly decide outcomes. - Reasonable accommodation in mission critical roles: light duty, telework, medical documentation, “undue hardship,” and how to avoid retaliatory optics. - MSPB after the backlog era: appeal rights, probationary myths, settlement dynamics, and fee-shifting realities. - Whistleblower cases & PPPs: what counts as protected disclosure, typical retaliation patterns, and OSC vs. agency IG pathways. - USERRA: reemployment after orders, seniority/benefits accrual, scheduling drill/AT, and common agency missteps. - Telework/RTO as a legal and policy question: duty station, locality pay, reasonable accommodation intersections, and how agencies document “business need.” - Managing out via PIPs: when a PIP is pretext, how performance elements are written, and the evidence agencies actually need. - Suitability/fitness and (separately) security clearance issues: the boundary with EEO rights and what employees should document from day one. - Remedies and real timelines: back pay, comp damages caps, attorney fees, and why “day in court” usually means ADR or settlement.

LT Ladino, affectionately known as The Employment Therapist™, is a highly regarded career specialist with over a decade of experience in executive recruiting, having placed hundreds and advised thousands. LT has empowered clients such as MSC Direct, Red Ventures, Tesla, Sharp, Business Systems, and other small and large businesses in the IT, healthcare, engineering, accounting, creative services, and hospitality industries, curating progressive company cultures through her recruiting efforts that align with their career aspirations. She has been featured in publications like Family Circle and has written for esteemed platforms such as Forbes, Fortune.com, and Maxim.com. With appearances on more than 250 media outlets, including The Today Show, LT is committed to providing valuable insights and guidance in the career development landscape. Additionally, LT is set to host a career-focused talk show, "The Employment Therapist™," covering a wide range of topics such as HR dynamics, employee benefit trends, employment therapy, career coaching tips, and business strategies. Drawing from her personal career transition experiences, LT Ladino launched vCandidates.com in 2017, a SaaS platform dedicated to helping candidates present their best selves. Recognized as one of the Top Tech Startups in Tempe, AZ, in 2020, 2021, and 2022 by The Tech Tribune, vCandidates.com has established itself as a leading tech startup in the Metro Phoenix area. The venture is currently in an acquisition process. With over 20 years of experience in the record and entertainment industry, LT Ladino has held senior-level positions working for Jive, Arista, Columbia, and Sony Music. Involved in the success of various artist projects, including those of Will Smith, R.Kelly, Usher, Monica, Maxwell, Pras, Wu-Tang Clan, Three Six Mafia, and Hall of Famers Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, A Tribe Called Quest, Outkast, and Eminem, she helped shape the 90s and 2000s music landscape with songs that still resonate within today's pop culture. As an author, LT's debut suspense novel, TO AND FRO: KELSEY’S JOURNEY, was a nominee for Favorite Fiction at the 2021 African American Literary Awards Show. Her latest releases include EMPLOYMENT THERAPY, a guide focusing on business etiquette for employees and team leaders, with their career aspirations and professional growth, and THAT’S A GREAT QUESTION, a 200+ Interview Question Prep Tool for interviewees and interviewers alike.

Dr. Gearl Loden is a nationally recognized CEO/Superintendent, certified executive coach, former HR officer, and founder of Loden Leadership & Consulting Group LLC. With decades of executive leadership experience, Gearl has led high-performing school districts and guided leaders across education, business, nonprofit, and healthcare sectors through seasons of growth, change, and challenge. His passion is helping leaders, from aspiring superintendents to small business owners, unlock clarity, strengthen culture, and align their leadership with their deepest values. Known for blending warmth with strategic candor, Gearl equips leaders to navigate high-stakes decisions, and design sustainable systems that protect both results and well-being. Through his coaching practice, Gearl works one-on-one and in group settings with a wide range of leaders. His clients have included SaaS, HR officers, nonprofit directors and education leaders preparing for their next level of responsibility. He also works with entrepreneurs and organizational founders looking to expand without losing their company’s core identity. His coaching blends proven leadership frameworks such as the Platinum Rule, Eisenhower Matrix, and 70-20-10 Learning Model with tailored strategies that fit each client’s unique needs. This work has strengthened internal leadership pipelines and empowered leaders across industries to lead with clarity, confidence, and resilience. As a writer and thought leader, Gearl contributes compelling, experience-rich insights on leadership development, organizational culture, executive decision-making, and the human side of leadership. These cross-industry coaching experiences continually feed his writing, ensuring his perspectives are grounded in the realities leaders face today, not just in theory. Gearl is also a sought-after keynote speaker and media contributor. His articles and presentations are known for their clarity, actionable takeaways, and ability to meet readers and listeners “in the messy middle” of leadership, where the stakes are high and the solutions must be both practical and human. At his core, Gearl believes leadership is service and when leaders are equipped, aligned, and energized, the organizations and communities they serve thrive. He brings that conviction to every article, interview, and conversation, offering fresh, field-tested perspectives that resonate with leaders who are serious about making a lasting impact.

Jacqueline Twillie is a leadership strategist and negotiation expert who empowers underrepresented leaders, including women, to command their worth, lead authentically, and achieve results. Born near Louisiana’s bayou and now based in Brooklyn, she blends Southern warmth with urban grit, guiding professionals through complex corporate landscapes. Her philosophy: leaders should shape their environments rather than simply adapt. Through her consultancy, ZeroGap, Jacqueline conducts masterclasses, workshops, and coaching sessions that transform hesitant conversations into strategic opportunities. Her proven negotiation frameworks enable clients to speak up confidently, secure fair value, and step into roles that once seemed out of reach. Drawing on research and real-world application, her guidance resonates with emerging professionals and seasoned executives alike. Addressing the challenges historically excluded leaders face, Jacqueline encourages authenticity and fosters inclusive workplace cultures. Media outlets and publishers find her insights authoritative yet accessible—complete with data, examples, and practical strategies. She’s an ideal source on topics like pay equity, closing leadership gaps, and building resilient, people-centered organizations. Influenced by her own journey, Jacqueline learned perseverance in Louisiana and honed strategic skills in Brooklyn’s competitive climate. She helps others transcend obstacles, discover strengths, and redefine what it means to have a seat at the table. For professionals eager to level up, publishers seeking expert content, and media needing credible thought leadership on equity, negotiation, and inclusive leadership, Jacqueline Twillie stands ready. She equips leaders to embrace their power, negotiate what they deserve, and shape organizations for a more equitable future. Working with Jacqueline means tapping into expertise that yields lasting impact.

Stepan Kazaryan is a Business Management Consultant focused on digital presence, professional evaluation, and how public information shapes decision-making in modern business environments. His work centers on helping organizations and professionals understand how they are perceived before direct interaction occurs. In search-driven systems, evaluation often happens silently and quickly. Stepan advises clients on building structured digital foundations that support credibility over time. His approach emphasizes clarity, consistency, and responsible positioning rather than short-term visibility tactics. He works with executives, founders, and professional service providers who recognize that digital footprints influence trust, partnerships, and opportunity flow. By aligning websites, public profiles, and third-party references, Stepan helps create stable professional narratives that reduce uncertainty during evaluation. Rather than focusing on reactive measures, his advisory framework prioritizes preparation. This includes analyzing how search results present a name, how information connects across platforms, and how inconsistencies affect perception. The goal is to strengthen long-term positioning in a way that feels natural and sustainable. Stepan frequently writes and speaks about digital identity, credibility signals, and the structural factors that influence professional trust in online environments. His perspective reflects a broader shift in how professionals are assessed in the age of search and public information accessibility. Through disciplined strategy and steady execution, Stepan Kazaryan helps clients maintain clarity in environments where perception often forms before conversation begins.